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A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor, a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

CGSP forwards five-year degrees

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 31 - May 4, 1995

The Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies (CGSP) approved a proposal
Wednesday afternoon for a five-year bachelor's/master's degree that has already
been approved by the Commission on Undergraduate Studies.

Jack Dudley, who first drafted the proposal at the request of the College of
Arts and Sciences, explained that it is intended for students with a 3.5
average or better. After the students have completed 75 hours, they can ask
their department to nominate them for the degree, then they apply to the
Graduate School. During their fourth year, they can take a maximum of 12 hours
of graduate credit, which the undergraduate department will also recognize
toward the bachelor's degree. They remain an undergraduate student in all
respects until their fifth year.

According to a handout, the master's degree must require a thesis, the student
must have demonstrated a capacity for independent research, and the student
must submit two programs of study--one addressing undergraduate degree
completion.

At least initially, students who enroll in the program will not take the GRE
until the regular time in their fourth year, "which will help us monitor
whether we've allowed the right students to proceed," Dudley explained.

"We have a number of incredibly qualified students," Dudley said. Virginia
Tech ranks very high in advanced-placement credits brought to the university.
Students with AP credit require fewer hours to complete the bachelor's degree.
"The program makes Virginia Tech more competitive in the recruitment of
excellent undergraduate and graduate students."

Rebecca Lovingood asked if a student in one department can be accepted for a
master's degree in another department. Dudley said the undergraduate department
must approve. Joe Merola said there has to be a match between the graduate
courses and undergraduate courses. By way of an example, Dudley named a student
who presently has dual majors and dual minors. "He might forego one minor in
order to begin graduate school."